“Julian has again impressively demonstrated his value and importance to our squad this season,” declared the Bayer 04 sporting director Simon Rolfes. “He has taken responsibility and led the way when it was particularly needed - in one of the many phases with players out due to injury,” said Rolfes. “We very much look forward to having him in the squad for another year as a proven leader.”
And for sporting managing director Rudi Völler, Baumgartlinger is “an anchor and stabilising factor, especially for our young players. Julian’s experience on and off the pitch is worth it’s weight in gold,” said Völler in praising the 33-year-old midfielder.
Baumgartlinger joined the Werkself in 2016 from FSV Mainz 05 where he was the captain. “The almost five years at the top level here at Leverkusen mean a lot to me. The fact the club is not only sticking with me during my current injury but also continuing to count on me speaks for itself,” said the Austrian. “That confidence does you good. Bayer 04 and everybody associated with the club can be sure I will do all I can, as I have in the past, to justify that.”
After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
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There was a successful end to the women's internationals with Werkself players Carlotta Wamser and Cornelia Kramer qualifying for the 2027 World Cup finals in Brazil. A third Leverkusen player is still in with a chance of joining them. The Germany U23 players also experienced success in their last two international friendlies of the season.
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Traveling to North America for the World Cup this summer to see your favorite Bayer 04 players? Here’s a quick cheat sheet with thumbnail portraits and insider tips for each city from a local expert, so you can make the most of your visit and activities beyond the game!
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A fresh look for the BayArena: The Bayer 04 stadium will have new seating in the form of folding seats for the 2026/27 campaign that will ensure significantly improved seating comfort and simplified movement within the rows of seats. As part of routine replacement after 17 years, fans of the Werkself were able to purchase the existing seats, used to witness the first German league title in the club's history. In addition, a large proportion of the seats will be donated to charitable projects, primarily in the local region. Bayer 04 fans can look forward to new, functional folding seats for the season opener at the beginning of August - still in the club colours of black and red, of course. A glimpse at the BayArena during the refurbishment.
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